Sales of the selfie stick have soared since last year and they are now a common sight at tourist sites.
The ban by the National Gallery was welcomed by art critic Brian Sewell. He told The Times: "They are possibly quite dangerous to the art work and cause appalling crowding around a painting.
"Anyone who actually wants to go and see a painting can't because people are too busy taking photos. I've seen things in the National Gallery which make my hair stand on end."